October 29, 2014
Dobber
2014-10-29
Thoughts on Griffith, the awesome line for Tampa, why McDavid will make it the “Big 4” and more …
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Cam Atkinson was back in the Columbus lineup now that his eye swelling had gone down enough to let him play. He saw over 21 minutes of action on a line with Ryan Johansen and Scott Hartnell. He has four goals and six points in eight games, progressing quite nicely in terms of projected points year over year. I wish all players develop on target like that, it would make my job easier. But if healthy I’m calling a 55-point season this time around and 65-plus for next year.
The Jackets gave up five goals in Sergei Bobrovsky‘s absence. Bob, as you know, has a broken finger and is out for a couple of weeks. Justin Goldman discusses it (and your options) in his ramblings over at the Goalie Post. Yes, the ramblings are indeed a new feature over there. All the more reason to make the site one of your daily stops.
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Well, it’s time to take Seth Griffith seriously. Not only as a prospect, but as a legitimate add to your fantasy roster right now. Three points last night give him five in four games. His ice time and PP time are still moderate, but with continued production like this it will come. He’s already clearly passed Matt Fraser and Ryan Spooner on the depth chart, and if Reilly Smith doesn’t pull up his socks he’ll lose his PP time as well. Not bad for a player who was passed up in the 2011 draft and lasted until the fifth round of the 2012 draft. Between he and Tanner Pearson, the 19-year-old players who get drafted a year late are getting taken more seriously. As for the production – consider him a short-term asset for now in one-year leagues, as we saw similar hot streaks from Spooner last season. But Griffith has definitely caught our attention and he’s playing with Krejci and Lucic.
It’s worth noting (and not unexpected) that Dougie Hamilton saw 28:32 of ice time last night, quickly getting the Chara treatment from Coach Julien.
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Tyler Toffoli is even scoring while shorthanded! Last night’s SHG gives him 13 points in nine games, good for second in league scoring – and he has yet to play 17 minutes in a game. He boasts a plus-12 rating. And as awesome as I think he is – he’s definitely a ‘sell high’ player for those of you in one-year leagues. It’s looking more and more as if he’ll be breaking out this year and top 70 points. He certainly has that upside. But he’s on pace for well over 100, which of course ain’t happening.
Jacob Trouba picked up his first point of the season last night. It’s worth noting that although he had two points in his first ever NHL game last year, he was then pointless in 10 before becoming the stud we saw in the second half. Perhaps this gets him going.
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I really want to see McDavid go to the Sabres. They so need the help. When the Maple Leafs spank you, you know you’re in trouble. I mean, Jonathan Bernier stopped all…uh…10 shots that he faced for the shutout.
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Stamkos wasn’t the only superstar to manage just one point when his team scored a ton. Malkin also had just the one goal even though the Penguins scored eight times.
Are you like me and cringe when you see Kris Letang play as tough as he did last night? He’s so brittle, yet he dished out six hits and blocked two shots. I guess you can’t put him in a bubble, but if I’m the coach I’m asking him to tone it down a little.
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The Vladimir Tarasenko – Jori Lehtera line really went off last night, combining for seven points. For Lehtera, all of his points have come in two games. But I really hope they keep these two former KHL linemates together, they’re looking great and really feed off each other. Tarasenko now leads the Blues in scoring (nine points, eight games).
Meanwhile, TJ Oshie and Patrik Berglund have just one point each.
David Backes left the game last night after this – I don’t like how the left side of his head smacked the ice, helmet or no:
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And finally, on a sombre note, Mr. Hockey suffered a serious stroke Sunday. Gregg Krupa from the Detroit news reports that he is now at home with his family, but is weak on his right side and has difficulty speaking. Gordie Howe precedes fantasy hockey, but is obviously a legend in these circles nonetheless, and our thoughts are with him and his family.
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